How to Make the 2014 Corvette Stingray Truly Special

I love cars but I’ve never been a huge fan of the Corvette. I appreciate the performance and technology of the latest generation, especially in the Z06 and blistering fast Z01, and I don’t mind the styling. They look okay. I guess.

The problem with the Vette is I see them EVERYWHERE. Even if I’m driving three miles  to the store there’s a 50% chance I’ll see some form of Corvette built in the last 30 years. If I’m on the freeway for more than 20 minutes, make that 100% chance. And I’m not talking about just one. This time of year at least a dozen is the norm. I’ll have to check the books – maybe legislation was passed forcing every guy over retirement age to buy one.

And that’s the main problem I see with the Corvette. They’re so common here in the States it renders them ordinary and boring.

---

Chevy revealed the newest generation of Vette and I really like the way it looks. Some people hate it, but I like the aggressive lines. It reminds me of the Ferrari 599 GTO, and when something reminds you of a Ferrari I would chalk that up as a good thing.

2014 Corvette Stingray

Ferrari 599 GTO

So I think it looks great and the tech specs are impressive. Supercar territory for sure. But as usual, Chevy will produce so many with so many watered down models they’ll be as common as a Camry a year or two from now.

The definition of a supercar arguably depends on four factors:

1. Extreme performance
2. Exotic styling
3. High price
4. Limited production (it’s rare to see one)

With the $113,000 ZR1 you have all these check boxes ticked off. Even though I see what seems like dozens of Vettes every day this time of year, I can’t seem to recall ever seeing a ZR1 in the wild (in my corner of Wisconsin). The problem is, the thousands of watered down Corvettes roaming the countryside have left us numb. A ZR1 might turn a few heads even to those who don’t know a damn thing about cars, but to them it’s just another Corvette. Porsche has this same problem with the 911, but that’s another story.

Hey, did that Vette you just passed cost $49K or $112K? You didn't even notice it, did you?

Porsche... 911? Carerra? Turbo? Cayman? Who knows...

2014 Corvette Stringray

So here’s what I propose to GM. You’ve got a new design and you brought back the Stingray name. Swell. One model. Make just one model of Corvette from this point on. I don’t care if you call it the Stingray or the ZR1 or just Corvette, but please don’t sell a half dozen limp wristed versions to sell to the pensioners with a modest 401K balance. Make it a true supercar. Load it up with as much technology and cram as many horses and superchargers into that thing as possible. Make it mid or rear engine, give it all wheel drive - the hell with tradition. Make it exotic and price it well over a hundred grand. The people that can afford it will appreciate it that much more.

---

DB9. Yummy.

To me, the ultimate definition of a supercar is that it turns heads. The other morning I saw an Aston Martin DB9 and I practically shouted a marriage proposal out the window to the guy driving it. A DB9 might be a dime a dozen in LA, but that’s the first time I've ever seen one in my town. 

---

Audi R8. Yes, please.

A couple weeks ago I saw an Audi R8 going the other direction on the freeway and I practically ran off the road trying to get a better look. Same thing a week later when I saw a Lexus LFA. That’s what I want for the new Corvette. I want it to be a true supercar, capable of going toe to toe with the best thing on four wheels the Italians and Germans can throw at us and turning heads like crazy.

Remember that entry level Lamborghini Gallardo with the eco-boost 1.4 liter engine? What about the diesel model? No? That's because there's only one Gallardo. Actually, bad example. There are a six versions of the Gallardo but the entry level model still costs $191,000.

Sure, to the Europeans any Corvette will still be just an American car made up of too much plastic and a sub-par interior. But you gotta start somewhere. Come on Chevy, build a supercar we can be proud of. I promise not to cause an accident if and when I finally see it in person.

If you're worried about lost sales, just make ten version of the Camero or something. I won't mind.

---

Lexus LFA. 330,000 what? Dollars??

Lamborghini Gallardo. Bet your grandpa doesn't have one of these.